Plan to airlift critically ill patients could substantially boost survival rates

A NEW plan to airlift critically ill patients from isolated parts of Clare for treatment in regional hospitals could substantially improve survival rates, a local accident and emergency consultant has revealed.

Government approval to expand the role for the Shannon-based search and rescue helicopter could result in a new strategy to transport major trauma patients to 24-hour casualty departments in a fraction of the time it takes by road.

Discussions have been held between the HSE, the Irish Coast Guard Service and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) on the best way to utilise and co-ordinate existing resources.